56 Comments
User's avatar
Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

Although love can be driven by desire - especially when we are young - I like the way a clear distinction is being made here between the two in that love is a bigger entity and exists in its own right.

'Love is not a trade in trifles,

with a thumb upon the scale,

nor will it be kept prisoner

when desire becomes a jail.'

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, Martin

Expand full comment
Patris's avatar

A brave subject. It may be the most audacious, in fact.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Love is sort of audacious, isn’t it—like it’s some kind of be all and end all because it’s what makes the world go ‘round…the Idea!

Expand full comment
Joshua Nearly's avatar

Desire a jail? Dang it… I’d always hoped it would be more like a charming Airbnb…!

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Desire can be a prison, enjoyable until it’s not. Thanks, Joshua.

Expand full comment
Joshua Nearly's avatar

Oh, I know… it’s just my natural inclination is to stay in line with the old Carter Family song… Keep on the Sunny Side. Thanks for the warning!

Cheers!

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Cheers to you, Joshua!

Expand full comment
Richard Blaisdell's avatar

Love’s a sprite full nymph, sleeps around, but once found returns home to cozy nest; takes the breath away: exhales, and leaves you full; then ready for another inhalation. Once found, heart beats rapidly, until the end gasp.

Expand full comment
Jane Newell's avatar

Hello Paul! This is Jane Newell, a friend and colleague of Hal Grotevant. I saw that you "liked" my comment to Hal...so I (because I was intrigued to learn about who you were) clicked into your substack...and read this lovely poem about love. Yes, just yes.

Thank you, Jane

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Hello, Jane—I enjoyed reading Hal’s post and your comment. Glad you liked the poem!

Expand full comment
Jane Newell's avatar

Hi Paul...I look forward to reading your poems, etc over time. I will, as you invited, take some time to read earlier works. Best, Jane

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you. Jane—there is a lot to read. Of you have questions or comments, feel free!

Expand full comment
Jane Newell's avatar

Will do....

Expand full comment
Paul McCutchen's avatar

Even though love is not supposed to be some of those things, it sometimes is which is unfortunate.

Expand full comment
Mahdi Meshkatee's avatar

The last stanza echoed and echoed in my head. Thank you for sharing, Paul.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Those are my favorite lines in this poem--Glad they resonated with you, Mahdi!

Expand full comment
Rod Bluhm's avatar

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. I Corinthians 13:6 Another great poem, Paul.

Expand full comment
Patris's avatar

Love is never evil.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

That's true, Patris, but I think desire can be.

Expand full comment
Patris's avatar

If it harms an innocent, yes.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thanks, Rod!

Expand full comment
Stanley Wotring's avatar

Beautiful

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, Stan

Expand full comment
Mary Angela Sheridan's avatar

Och,I dunno !

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

Beautiful and painfully true

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, Jane

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

You're welcome

Expand full comment
David MacGregor's avatar

Anyone’s guess

When desire

Becomes a jail

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

I think desire becomes a jail when one's needs become the only consideration

Expand full comment
Harun Kewa's avatar

Lovely poem, Paul.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, Harun

Expand full comment
Wendy  Gray's avatar

And, I love this poem, Paul! Thank you for the blessing! ~Wendy💜

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

You are most welcome, Wendy--Thank You!

Expand full comment
Chad R Herman's avatar

We put. I'm loving your poetry. I would love some clues as to what inspired the poem.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

I don’t rightly know what inspired the poem, Chad—maybe just an urge to say that love is not a transactional affair. I give x-amount of love to you, so you so must give x-amount of love to me, etc.

Expand full comment
Weston Parker's avatar

Very good, thanks Paul.

Expand full comment
Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, Weston.

Expand full comment